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5 Amazing Storage Container Projects

5 Amazing Storage Container Projects

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In the last few years, shipping/storage containers have been adapted for use in a number of building applications. Their durability, price, and availability make them a hot option for builders and buyers looking to take a step away from traditional materials and designs. Plus, because so many of these containers are built every year, building with them is an eco-friendly way to recycle the containers and keep them out of landfills. Below, we’ve put together a list of 5 amazing storage container projects to show you the potential of these containers. 

Zieglerbuild house in Queensland, Australia 

By now, many have heard of shipping container houses, but this home built by design and construction firm Zieglerbuild takes container builds to a new level. This 6000 square-foot home is made up of 31 individual containers. Wood floors, spacious interiors, and an in-ground saltwater pool aren’t features that come to mind when imagining living in a container home, but this astounding property offers them all and more. Visit Zieglerbuild’s gallery for some pictures of this beautiful home. 

Modpools

Modpools is a company that turns shipping containers into custom built, modular swimming pools. Luxury may not be the first descriptor that comes to mind when imagining a shipping container pool, but with features like temperature control, smart lighting, and add-on hot tubs, these pools are top of the line. 

Smoky Park Supper Club

The Smoky Park Supper Club holds the title for largest shipping container restaurant. Standing on the banks of the French Broad river in Asheville, North Carolina, the building is comprised of 19 storage containers. The supper club describes itself as “a gathering place for friends and family, locals and visitors, and everyone in between” and offers a diverse menu with some stellar locally-sourced options. 

Vissershok primary school

The Vissershok Primary School is located in Durbanville, a valley on the outskirts of Capetown, South Africa. Positioned in a highly rural area, the school provides valuable education to an underprivileged community. Taking full advantage of its building budget, the school opted to construct a container classroom to maximize its learning space. With an attached playground, vegetable garden, and gathering area, this container classroom is a valuable asset to a school that is making a difference. 

Cura Pods 

Cura Pods are an open-source response to the Covid-19 pandemic. Cura-pods are basically shipping containers that are converted into temporary and mobile hospital rooms, designed for modular use. This design is especially effective for treating highly contagious diseases, since the pods double as sealed quarantine rooms. This design is very promising for use against future pandemics as well as anywhere a mobile and quick to deploy hospital is needed. 

Looking to buy or rent a storage container?

Moon trailer leasing has been in the business of storage containers since 1992. Whether your extra storage requirements are short or long term, our storage trailers will meet your needs quickly. In addition to storage containers, we offer a variety of trailers and mobile offices. Call us today at (502) 776-2199 or visit www.moontrailerleasing.com/get-a-quote/ to get a quote today!

How the Healthcare Industry Uses Storage Containers

How the Healthcare Industry Uses Storage Containers

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Good healthcare is crucial for the happiness and success of a community. Providing this healthcare is a complicated and large-scale task that requires a variety of facilities and professionals. Because of their scale, hospitals, offices, and other healthcare facilities encounter logistical issues on a daily basis. Staffing problems, overcrowding, and transportation complications are just a few of the problems the healthcare industry faces. Keep reading to learn how the healthcare industry uses storage containers to solve some of these problems. 

Mobile Offices

Mobile office containers and trailers are a highly mobile and cost effective office solution. For overcrowded hospitals, medical offices, or pharmacies, the mobile office can be a great way to save valuable space. These offices are typically constructed in small trailers or storage containers. Because of this, they can be easily delivered and transported. Another perk of the mobile office is its fast deployment time and flexibility. Because of their mobility, office trailers can be delivered or picked up as needs arise or change. At Moon we offer 20, 30, and 40 foot offices with a variety of features including easy access steps, heating, and air conditioning. To learn more about mobile offices and their uses, check out our blog on How Mobile Offices are Used in Disaster Relief Efforts.

Shipping

Such a large web of facilities creates the need for fast and effective transportation and shipping. Healthcare facilities use shipping containers for the transportation of equipment, supplies, and medications. Some medications and vaccines need to be shipped at very specific temperatures, which creates the need for refrigerated containers. These units are very similar to normal shipping/storage containers, with the important additions of a refrigeration system and insulation that help to maintain a specific temperature inside the unit. Visit the Moon Refrigeration blog for more information on refrigerated shipping and storage solutions!

Mobile Clinics/Hospitals

Overcrowded hospitals pose a massive challenge to the healthcare industry. Running out of rooms or overfilling a hospital can have drastic consequences, putting extreme strain on staff and reducing the efficacy of treatment efforts. Overcrowding has become a very common issue in the last couple of years as the healthcare industry deals with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. Some hospitals have adopted creative solutions to this problem, like this temporary Italian hospital made of storage containers. These mobile shipping container hospitals can be extremely effective at combating overcrowding. They can also be useful in more remote areas that may not have adequate access to healthcare. 

Looking to buy or rent a storage container or mobile office?

Moon Trailer Leasing has been in the business of renting storage trailers since 1992. We are veterans in the storage trailer rental industry. Here at Moon, we offer 28, 40, 45, 48, and 58 foot trailers for rent. Whether your extra storage requirements are short or long term, our storage trailers will enable you to meet seasonal requirements or an unexpected increase in demand quickly. In addition to storage containers, we offer a variety of mobile office trailers and containers. Call us today at (502) 776-2199 or visit www.moontrailerleasing.com/get-a-quote/ to get a quote today!

Moon Trailer Leasing, Portable Refrigeration

Trailer Leasing in St. Matthews, Kentucky

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St. Matthews is a residential and commercial district located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. It is one of the premier shopping areas in the state, featuring miles of stores along historic Shelbyville Road, as well as the fifth-largest mall in Kentucky, Mall St. Matthews. St. Matthews earned its name in 1850 from the establishment of the St. Matthews Episcopal Church, the first in the area. It was also known as one of the leading potato-exporters in the country in the early 20th century.

St. Matthews is also a desirable residential community, well-regarded for its connection to beloved greenspaces such as Cherokee and Seneca Parks as well as its close proximity to shopping, highly-rated schools, and other parts of the city. Some popular entertainment venues include Dave & Busters, Cinemark St. Matthews, Ten Pin Strike and Spare, Lazer Blaze, and Malibu Jack’s.

St. Matthews offers plenty of fine dining and local favorites for interested foodies. Grab a specialty dessert at historic Plehn’s Bakery, enjoy a fine steak at Jeff Ruby’s Steakhouse, munch on specialty tacos at Taco Luchador, or treat yourself to a mouth-watering biscuit at the aptly-named Biscuit Belly.

If you are looking for shipping containers, storage trailers or portable office space in St. Matthews, Kentucky, contact Moon Trailer Leasing today. As one of Kentucky’s largest full-service leasing companies, we are able to offer a broad range of products for rent or purchase to businesses throughout the St. Matthews area. Keep reading to learn about everything Moon Trailer Leasing offers.

Storage Containers 

Looking to rent a storage container? We have short or long term rentals, available for delivery in a few hour’s notice. Plus, we offer a free Delivery Location Accessibility Evaluation, to determine the best location for your storage container. 

We have clean, dry, and secure 20 ft and 40 ft storage containers, also known as Conex boxes. They are built to ISO standards, have 1-2 swing doors, and are totally forklift accessible. They can be placed at ground level or dock level access. Need extra clearance? Rent a Hi-Cube containers, which meets requirements that demand extra floor to ceiling space (8 ft 5-1/2” floor to ceiling height). In addition, we also sell used storage containers at affordable prices. 

Storage Trailers 

Interested in renting a storage trailer? We offer 28 ft, 40 ft, 45 ft, 48 ft and 53 ft trailers for monthly rent! Storage trailers are loading-dock-accessible and are equipped with either swing doors or roll-up doors. Featuring durable hardwood floors, our storage trailer rentals are also pallet-jack and forklift accessible. We can deliver incredibly quickly, meeting seasonal demands or last minute requests.

Why Moon?

We’ve been renting storage containers to the Louisville, Southern Indiana, and Lexington area since 1992. As one of the most well-regarded leasing companies in the region, we take pride in our wide variety of offerings, expert quality of service, and quick response rate. 

As a Moon Company, Moon Trailer Leasing is able to offer a wide variety of leasing services in addition to storage trailers and containers. From dumpsters, moving containers and portable restrooms, to grease trap cleaning, refrigerated containers and warehouse space, Moon Trailer Leasing is a full service company. One call, and you can access all of our services! Call 502-776-2199 or Contact us today by email. 

 

 

 

 

Rent Storage Containers and Trailers in Jeffersontown, Louisville, Kentucky

Trailer Leasing in Jeffersontown, Kentucky

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Jeffersontown, Kentucky is a major suburb on the outskirts of Louisville, Kentucky. As a home-rule class city, it boasts a population of over 27,000 people. It is largely known for its commercial and economic presence, being the home of the 1,800-acre Bluegrass Commerce Park. This development contains over 850 businesses and employs over 3,800 people! Residents and tourists can enjoy Jeffersowntown’s vibrant history, diverse restaurant options, and exciting entertainment venues. 

Jeffersontown has a long and rich history. Established in 1794, it was named after the then-vice-president, Thomas Jefferson. At the time, Jeffersontown was a hub of activity, the home of blacksmiths, potters, farmers, wagon builders, and other pioneers. Today, you can explore Jeffersontown’s history at the Jeffersontown Historical Museum and the beautiful Blackacre Nature Preserve & Historic Homestead, or have some retro fun at the Recbar, a restaurant and bar with vintage arcade games.

Other popular entertainment venues and restaurants in the Jeffersontown area include Bluegrass Karting, Charlie Vettiner Park, Kingpin Lanes, 3rd Turn Brewery, Barcelona Bistro Bar, Gaslight Diner and the Mussel and Burger Bar.

If you are looking for storage options, trailers or mobile offices in Jeffersontown, Kentucky, contact Moon Trailer Leasing today. We offer a variety of sizes and configurations to meet your storage and job site needs. As one of Kentucky’s largest full-service container leasing companies, we pride ourselves in our expert customer service and competitive rates. 

4 Reasons To Choose Moon Trailer Leasing in Jeffersontown, KY

For over 25 years, we’ve.served the Jeffersontown, Kentucky area. Keep reading to learn 4 reasons why you should choose Moon Trailer Leasing. 

1. We’re Fast.

At Moon Trailer Leasing, we can deliver on incredibly short notice, responding quickly to the seasonal needs or day-to-day schedules of your business. We offer both short term and long term rental plans, so you won’t get trapped in a contract you can’t get out of or don’t need. We also offer a Location-Accessibility Evaluation to ensure the delivery address is forklift or pallet-jack accessible.

2. We Have a Wide Range of Sizing Available.

Whether you’re looking for a storage container, trailer or mobile office, we offer a huge variety of sizes and conditions available for every need and price-range. We currently offer 6 types of storage containers, 3 types of trailers, and 6 types of mobile offices!

3. We Keep The Highest Standards of Quality.

All of Moon Trailer Leasing’s used and new shipping containers are built to ISO standards and are therefore structurally sound as well as wind-proof and watertight. Containers for sale are also available for pre-purchase inspection so you can ensure you have selected a quality storage container. Additionally, storage trailers are equipped with high-end hardwood floors and are specially designed to suit lighter duty storage applications. 

4. We Offer Warehouse Space & Other Services

As a full-service leasing company, we’re able to provide you with warehouse space. You can easily store overstock or unexpected increases in production at our warehouse space, saving you time and money. Plus, we can also provide additional leasing opportunities such as refrigerated containers, dumpsters and portable restrooms!

If you are looking for a customizable approach to storage and office space, contact Moon Trailer Leasing in Jeffersontown, Kentucky today. We work with businesses of all shapes and sizes throughout the city of Jeffersontown and have been in the industry since 1992. For pricing and product selection, contact us online or call 502-776-2199.

Shipping Containers Southern Indiana

Conex Boxes at Moon Trailer Leasing

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Moon Trailer Leasing offers quality Conex boxes for rent and sale. These versatile shipping containers can handle a wide array of transportation, shipping, and cargo needs in a globalized context. Here’s why you should consider renting or buying a Conex box with Moon. 

Versatility

The Conex box, also referred to as a shipping container or ocean freight container, is at the heart of modern industry all around the world. These steel containers are designed to be safe, secure, and reliable for all kinds of freight. In fact, they are so common that today there are an estimated 30 million or more of these containers in use around the world.

One key aspect of their versatility is the variety of sizes there are available. Here at Moon, we offer both 20 and 40 foot containers for rent and sale. Depending on the scale of shipping in your business, you may prefer one of these two sizes. 

Quality Steel That Meets Regulations

Moon’s Conex boxes are all ISO-approved. The ISO, or International Organization for Standardization, is an organization that issues standards around industrial practices. ISO guidelines around Conex boxes include safety and strength specifications to ensure you are getting a quality Conex box. This also ensures containers are weatherproof and tamperproof, keeping goods safe as they travel across the world to consumers. Our ISO-approved Conex boxes have the durability, strong steel components, and stackability you need to ensure your products are transported safely and efficiently. 

Features That Increase Efficiency

Those efficiency-focused features play a key role in your success in the industry. For example, Moon’s Conex boxes come with secured lock boxes to increase security (in most units). Our Conex boxes also have swinging doors on both the front and back of each unit, making loading and unloading easier. They are also accessible by forklift, meaning you can move units around quickly. All of these features work together to give you the flexibility you need to meet challenges in the day-to-day operations of your business. 

Conex Boxes for Every Situation

Here at Moon, we are proud to offer a wide selection of Conex boxes that vary in use and grade. Our units come in different colors, conditions, sizes, and grades. We price these units fairly depending on all of these factors. This means that we have something for everyone, depending on what you are looking for and what your budget is. From well-used to like new, and from high grade to lower grade, we offer this selection so that you always have options when you work with us. We will work with you to determine the best unit for your unique situation. 

If you are interested in learning more about purchasing used Conex boxes from Moon Trailer Leasing, please contact us today by phone at 502-776-2199 or by email. Locally-owned and operated, Moon Trailer Leasing has offices in Louisville, Kentucky and Lexington, Kentucky. Moon Trailer Leasing has sold new and used Conex boxes to customers throughout Kentucky and Southern, Indiana for over two decades.

Shipping Containers For Rent and For Sale at Moon Trailer Leasing

Decarbonization in the Shipping Industry

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There are some major changes underway in the shipping industry. Recently, several major organizations in the industry committed to decarbonization by 2030. Today on the blog we’ll look at the significance of this commitment. 

Support for $5 Billion Research Fund

Back on March 10, 2021, representatives from all over the industry came together to announce something big. They were supporting a proposed $5 billion fund to develop and support decarbonization in the industry. Eight governments backed this proposal and submitted it to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) for review. This is significant for several reasons. 

For one, without coordinated international efforts like this, decarbonization is simply a pipe dream. It is an initiative that requires international cooperation. So, with eight countries (Nigeria, Switzerland, Singapore, Greece, Georgia, Liberia, Malta, and Japan) and several large organizations (BIMCO and IMCA to name two) backing the proposal, this signals true cross-national commitment. Additionally, the funding proposal itself is targeted with very particular goals to drive change. It would create a research and development board which would fund R&D efforts across the globe, including in developing countries. 

This is a key commitment, as currently there aren’t the necessary technologies to decarbonize the industry at scale. So, with this plan in place, the foundation is in place for accelerated change. 

Decarbonization: A UN Initiative

This proposal is actually in response to an initiative from the United Nations. Back in 2018, UN delegates associated with the IMO agreed to reduce total emissions by 50% (from levels in 2008) by 2050. The recent proposal is a sign of additional commitment to specific action steps to help meet this goal. By putting funding behind research and development for emerging technologies, the industry will be able to create a decarbonized future that can reduce environmental impact and also create sustainable practices.

Potential Solutions: Ammonia and More

Creating these low- and no-carbon solutions will be a challenge. However, there are already some ideas about how this might develop. One such solution is ammonia. Ammonia is a fuel source that doesn’t emit any carbon when it’s burned. Also, it can be made fairly simply with renewable electricity, air, and water, and it can be stored much more easily than other fuel sources like hydrogen. Plus, it boasts an extremely high energy density, making it an ideal fuel source. 

However, there aren’t currently any shipping vessels with the equipment to burn ammonia for fuel. Plus, nobody is creating ammonia in a climate-friendly way at scale currently. So, these are two areas to be on the lookout for over the next several years. It’s likely that some of the projects from the $5 billion research and development fund will focus on green ammonia production and creating ammonia-fueled ships. There are some other options innovators are considering as well. For example, hydrogen could be a potential fuel source going forward. Additionally, innovative fuel cells and wind-harnessing technologies are in the works. 

One thing is for certain: there’s a revolution in the shipping industry to move towards greener, more sustainable practices. This is an exciting and necessary step as we try to protect the environment while serving consumer and business needs across the globe. 

Moon Trailer Leasing offers mobile offices to companies and organizations across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. We have offices of all sizes for rent and sale. Call 502-776-2199 for a fast and free quote.

Container for Sale, Conex Boxes, Used and New Shipping Containers

Shipping Container Maintenance

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If you rent or own shipping containers, you know they are a valuable asset that enables your business to run smoothly. Maintaining shipping containers is essential- a small amount of prevention and monitoring can help you avoid costly issues. Here’s our guide to shipping container maintenance!

Look Out for Rust and Holes

Shipping containers go through a lot when they travel. They are exposed to different temperatures, weather conditions, and more. It’s only natural that they wear over time. Make sure you regularly assess your containers to keep an eye on their condition. Be on the lookout for signs of trouble like rust, holes, pests, and other kinds of deterioration. Shipping containers are made of steel and wood, and these issues can spell trouble.

If you do see any rust, you can use a rust remover to address it. If there are any holes that have worn through, you may be able to simply seal them with an industrial sealant. When a hole is big enough, though, you may need to weld over it with more steel to shore up the integrity of the container. Be on the lookout for pests as well- you may need to treat your containers for extermination. There are several international organizations providing guidelines here that can be helpful.

Cleaning is Key for Shipping Container Maintenance

Along with these issues, you should regularly check your containers for cleanliness. How strict you need to be with this really depends on what you store or ship in your containers. If you have containers hauling food, medical supplies, or other sensitive goods, you’ll need to be extra careful. Additionally, if you have been hauling any hazardous chemicals or materials, be very cautious and follow proper procedures to clean those containers.

In general, there are a few cleaning steps you can take. First, it’s always good to sweep out your containers whenever you have an opportunity between usages. You’ll get at a lot of the dirt, dust, and other debris that can build up. Plus, it’ll help you out with identifying any areas for repair (like we talked about already).

You can then use water to wash out the interiors of containers. You can either use a hose, a power washer, or some other method. Start with the roof first, and then work your way down. Washing containers with water will get at some of the gunk and grime that a simple sweep won’t account for. You can also look into some cleaning solvents that are safe to use with steel. Again, take into consideration what you have been hauling. Some hazardous materials can leave waste that will react with water or other chemicals, so you may need to pursue another cleaning method.

Drying and Other Final Steps

If you have used water and/or other chemicals to clean out your containers, make sure you let them dry out afterwards. This is a key way to prevent rust formation. Once dry, your containers are ready for further maintenance and repairs. You can repaint, weld, and further fit your containers as needed from here.

Moon Trailer Leasing offers mobile offices to companies and organizations across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. We have offices of all sizes for rent and sale. Call 502-776-2199 for a fast and free quote.

Container Shipping, Cargo Containers, Moon Trailer Leaing

Mobile Offices: RVs, Campers, and more

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Mobile offices are not a new concept. But in the past several years, more and more people have been taking the idea in new directions. Here’s a look at some trends in mobile offices.

Campers and RVs with Mobile Offices

For years, people have been figuring out ways to work out of mobile setups. For example, with some research and hard work, campers and RVs can be converted into work-friendly spaces. One important consideration in these setups is desk space. A non-modified RV or camper is unlikely to have desk space that is key for working. As such, a lot of the modifications you need to make for this setup are related to the work space itself. This can mean installing side table,
converting an existing space, or even just using foldable or movable desks or tables.

You need the proper infrastructure in place to work from these spaces too. Internet is one key need for a lot of people working remotely. There are a few creative ways people who work from RVs and campers make sure they have internet access. For one, there is often free internet at RV parks where you can stay for a period of time. While this is great and accessible, it’s also not secure most of the time. For security, you can always beef up your devices with VPNs to bolster security and privacy while on public WiFi. Another potential solution is to invest in a mobile WiFi hotspot, giving you your own source for internet access. Many phone and internet service providers offer options for mobile hotspots.

Beyond internet, there are some more basic needs you have to address for truly mobile workspaces. Water, electricity, and plumbing are all necessary particularly when mobile offices are also where you live. Technology like solar panels are a pivotal way many people power their RVs and campers. When paired with large batteries that hold charges for your various needs, you’d be surprised at how much energy you can generate for yourself.

Coronavirus Pandemic

All of these ideas have likely been accelerated recently by the coronavirus pandemic. The pandemic has caused some huge changes to how many people work. Remote work has been at least a part-time solution for lots of businesses, and a long-term reality for some people. According to Gallup polling data from October 2020, 33% of people in the United States were working remotely all the time, with an additional 25% working remotely some of the time. Back in April 2020, the numbers were even higher, with 51% working remotely all the time and 18% some of the time. Though there has been a downtrend in the percent of people working remotely, the numbers are still very high. Over half of workers in the United States are working remotely at least some of the time. As a result, more and more people have entertained the idea of changing up where they are working. Whether short or longer-term, they have found value in working somewhere other than home.

Of course, many of the aspects of these new mobile offices are reflective of mobile office trailers that have existed for a while. Mobile office trailers are a great solution for many businesses. Check out our blog post on mobile offices to learn more about what they can offer!

Moon Trailer Leasing offers mobile offices to companies and organizations across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. We have offices of all sizes for rent and sale. Call 502-776-2199 for a fast and free quote.

Used and New Shipping Containers

How Railcars are Designed to Haul Shipping Containers

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Rail freight transport is a huge industry. Railways help businesses haul cargo of all types, from cars to raw materials and steel frames. There are several types of rail car, each designed for a particular purpose. Some of these specifically haul containers. Let’s take a look at some of the main railcars for containers.

Overview of Rail Transport

For context, here’s a quick summary of rail freight transport. Any use of railroads for commercial cargo purposes (not transportation) is rail freight transport. Locomotives haul a series of linked freight cars along railway infrastructure as part of the supply chain. They may move goods partially or fully between shippers and destinations. There are numerous freight car types for different goods and materials. Some of these are specifically focused on containers, like Moon’s storage containers. Containerization has become an integral part of rail freight transport, just like with all other aspects of the global supply chain today. Below, we will review two of the most common car types used for containers.

Conventional Intermodal Railcars

One of the common railcar types used for shipping containers is the conventional intermodal railcar. These are articulated (meaning they share wheels between cars) flat railcars that are great for trailers and containers. They haul shipping containers that can’t stack, usually due to route height restrictions. The articulated feature helps these railcars reduce slack between cars. Slack action is basically how much movement one car has before its motion affects an adjoined car. By reducing slack, the ride quality is better and makes for a less bumpy trip for fragile cargo. Sizing on these railcars can vary, from around 50 feet to over 80 feet in length.

Double Stack Intermodal Railcars: Maximum Efficiency for Containers

Double stack intermodal railcars are similar to conventional intermodal railcars in a few ways. They are also articulated to help improve ride quality for fragile cargo, and are flat. However, these railcars have the ability to haul stacked shipping containers. They can carry a second shipping container on top of the first. This maximizes efficiency and allows for a greater amount of cargo transportation. They also utilize wells often times. Wells reduce the height of stacked containers and lower the center of gravity. This both avoids problems with height restrictions along routes and creates more stability. Wells also improve security for containers. The walls created by the well surround the bottom container and make it impossible to open the container door while it is on the railcar.

There is a high degree of size customization on these railcars, due to their specialization for shipping container transportation. As such, sizes vary from 40 feet to 50 feet and more for containers of all sizes, from 20 foot to 40 and 50 foot containers and larger.

Moon Trailer Leasing offers mobile offices to companies and organizations across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. We have offices of all sizes for rent and sale. Call 502-776-2199 for a fast and free quote.

Cargo Shipping Containers for Sale

Shipping Containers: A Brief History

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Shipping containers. They’re a ubiquitous part of our global economy. Most global consumer goods you own have a good chance of having been in a container at some point. Today’s supply chain, built around the shipping container, allows for an efficient distribution of goods worldwide. It hasn’t always been this way, though. In fact, the shipping container as we know it is only around 64 years old. Let’s take a look at the history of the shipping container.

1956: Malcolm McLean and the First Shipping Containers

1956 is an important year for the modern shipping container. This is when Malcolm McLean, owner of a large trucking company, launched the first voyage of a modern container. For decades, McLean had seen the inefficiency of transporting goods in non-standardized wooden crates during the operation of his company. He eventually purchased Pan Atlantic Tanker Company, a company with significant shipping assets, and experimented with ideas for standard shipping box designs. He eventually settled on the idea of a one-sized metal box. This design was sturdy, could be stacked, was easily transferred to trucks and trains for ground shipping, and was secure. In 1956, the ship Ideal X launched, becoming the first container ship to be used with modern containers.

Over the next several years, McLean worked to refine the shipping container design. Containers became fitted to interlock when stacking. He also implemented cranes at dock sites to speed up loading efficiency and safety. These innovations and others helped drive the popular use of container ships as viable methods of shipping.

1968: Modern Container Ships

1968 marks another important point in time for shipping containers. This is the year that the ISO imposed international standards for container dimensions and requirements. With this step, modern containers as we know them became widespread. This standard is relatively similar to standards for today, and is a key reason for mass shipping as we know it. With international standards in place, companies could maximize efficiency in the supply chain. As a result, the cargo shipping industry boomed through the 1970s and 1980s. This boom impacted other transportation modes in the chain too- trucks, trains and planes that carried goods after shipping by sea were transformed to maximize efficiency as well. With standards across multiple modes of transport, containers truly became the key to global shipping that they are today. By the end of the 20th century, shipping containers accounted for around 90% of all cargo globally.

Today and What’s Next

The start of the 21st century has seen continued technological innovations. Today, remote tracking systems are a core aspect of international shipping. Refrigerated shipping has become crucial for distributing fruit and vegetables around the globe, keeping goods cold for weeks at a time. Looking to the future, there are innovative ideas to utilize crewless container ships, blockchain technology, and further automatization to continue improving the industry.

Moon Trailer Leasing offers shipping containers to companies and organizations across Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Tennessee. We have containers both for rent and sale. Call 502-776-2199 today for a fast and free quote.